In the realm of healthcare, you might encounter various types of medical professionals. Among them are Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.s) and Doctors of Medicine (M.D.s). It’s a common question to ask, “What Is A Doctor D.o.?” and to understand if their training and qualifications are on par with their M.D. counterparts. This article aims to clarify the role of a D.O., their training, and how they compare to M.D.s, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of osteopathic physicians.
Both D.O.s and M.D.s are fully licensed physicians in the United States, authorized to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, and perform surgery. They both complete rigorous undergraduate education, four years of medical school, and then pursue residency training in a chosen specialty. The core curriculum in medical school for both D.O. and M.D. candidates is remarkably similar, encompassing subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and internal medicine. Both are trained to use the most current, evidence-based tools and treatments in medicine.
The distinctive element that sets D.O.s apart is their osteopathic philosophy and training in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). Osteopathic medicine emphasizes a “whole-person” approach to healthcare, focusing not just on treating symptoms but considering the interconnectedness of the body’s systems. D.O.s are trained to consider how lifestyle and environmental factors impact a patient’s health. A key component of their training is OMT, a set of hands-on techniques used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. These techniques involve using their hands to manipulate muscles and joints to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself. While not all D.O.s utilize OMT in their practice, it remains a core part of their medical education and a valuable tool in their approach to patient care.
Following medical school, both D.O.s and M.D.s must complete residency training. Residency provides specialized training in a specific area of medicine such as surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, or radiology. The residency training programs are often integrated, meaning D.O.s and M.D.s train side-by-side in the same programs. Furthermore, to become licensed physicians, both D.O.s and M.D.s must pass comparable licensing examinations. This ensures that all licensed physicians, regardless of whether they are a D.O. or M.D., meet nationally recognized standards of medical competency.
In conclusion, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is a fully qualified physician who has completed extensive medical training and is licensed to practice medicine in all specialties. While both D.O.s and M.D.s share a common foundation in medical science, D.O.s bring an additional perspective with their osteopathic philosophy and training in manual medicine. When choosing a physician, understanding the qualifications of both D.O.s and M.D.s can empower you to make informed decisions about your healthcare.
References
- What is a D.O.? American Osteopathic Association https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/what-is-a-do/. Accessed Oct. 27, 2022.
- Roberts A, et al. Osteopathic manipulative medicine: A brief review of the hands-on treatment approaches and their therapeutic uses. Medicines. 2022; doi:10.3390/medicines9050033.
- Chin J, et al. Assessing the knowledge of the osteopathic profession in New York City’s Easter European communities. Cureus. 2022; doi:10.7759/cureus.21664.
